Solar Roof Module for metal buildings

ABSTRACT

The Solar Roof Module is a factory assembled Roof mounted Solar Power system that incorporates a Solar panel for generating DC Power, a battery system for power storage which is used by dedicated purpose components such as Lighting, Security and Fire Safety Alarm systems. The solar roof module is operated with advanced management and wireless control features. The solar roof module is incorporated into a Metal Roof Panel that will allow it to be simply installed onto a metal building roof during construction.

PRIORITY OF INVENTION

This non-provisional claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 toprovisional application No. 61/626,842 titled Solar roof module FORMETAL BUILDINGS, filed on Oct. 3, 2011, by Ralph Gregory Greene which ishereby incorporated by reference for any purpose.

The country code for filing under the Paris Convention is: U.S.61/626,842, with Foreign Filing License Granted Date: Oct. 19, 2011

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A common drawback to traditional and current Photovoltaic Solar Powersystems is that they can be costly and difficult to install. Some largeSolar Power installations require long term equipment leases orcontracts.

In a traditional “Off-Grid” Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panel and BatteryStorage systems, the capacity of the Battery pack would be sized toincorporate a storage factor to allow for up to a 5 days of low or nopower from the Sun. Solar energy from the Sun is termed “Insolation” andthe number of days that a Battery pack can provide power withoutreceiving power is referred to as “Number of days of Battery Autonomy”.

With traditional Off-Grid PV Solar Panel power systems, the Depth ofDischarge (DOD) of a Battery system should be no more than 20-30% ofcapacity to obtain the best service life of the battery system.

The battery storage capacity of an Off-Grid system must be large when upto 5 days of Battery Autonomy and the 20-30% Depth of Discharge factorsare considered. These factors make Off-Grid Battery system costs veryhigh. The cost, size and weight of an Off-Grid Battery system can be amajor drawback along with the replacement costs of the Batteries whenthe service life of the batteries is reached.

In traditional “Grid-Connected” PV Solar Power systems, the BatteryStorage system is eliminated and power generated from the Solar energyand PV Solar panels is converted to AC and feed back into the mains gridthru “Net Metering” where excess power generated by the PV Solar systemis fed into the mains power system thru a meter that will measure powerflow from and back to the power mains grid to credit the power suppliedto the mains grid to the owner of the PV Solar Power system. Some USStates require a separate power meter to calculate power fed back intothe grid only.

Connection to the Mains power grid for Grid feedback requires technicalexpertise, specialized equipment and may require permits from the localUtilities in some areas.

Mounting and installation can be a major cost and issue for installingSolar power systems onto roof tops, especially in commercialapplications where the cost of a leak into the building and potentialfor damage to inventory or equipment could be very high.

Commercial buildings with metal roofs are made from thin gauge metal andare not designed to support light or even moderate loads on the high ribsections of the metal roof panels. To transfer load to the secondarystructure of the metal building, the load must be attached to the panpart of the metal roof panel. The pan section of the roof panel is thelow part which has bearing surface onto the secondary structural purlin.

When water falls onto a metal roof panel, it flows down into the pansection to the end of the roof panel. To avoid roof leaks, penetrationsof the metal roof panel should be limited and never made where there isno underlying secondary support.

Any obstructions in the water flow path in the pan section of the roofmetal panel can cause water to dam and lead to leaks. All metal buildingroof panels are designed to be installed with some degree of slope todrain water off of the roof panel.

With sloped metal roofs and solar power collection panels, it isimportant to be able to adjust the tilt or angle of the solar powerpanel to a position where sunlight will strike the panel. Buildings arenot generally constructed with the angle of sunlight as a considerationand buildings with peaked roofs have two different angles. Being able toadjust the angle of solar power collector is needed for most sloped roofbuilding applications.

SUMMARY

A principle objective of the current invention is to provide aPhotovoltaic Solar panel powered Roof Module that provides a building'sLighting, Security and Fire Alarm Protection system that can be used tooperate up to 24 hours per day.

A further objective of the current invention is to substantially reducethe power usage required for the Building's roof mountedWarehouse/manufacturing/assembly lighting.

Another objective of the current invention is to provide a PhotovoltaicSolar Panel powered Lighting, Security and Fire Alarm Protection systemwith extended service life to reduce cost of maintenance and replacementparts.

Another important objective of the current invention is to provide aPhotovoltaic Solar Powered Lighting, Security and Fire Alarm Protectionsystem that is independently powered and can provide Lighting, Securityand Fire Alarm Protection in an emergency or mains power outage.

A still further objective of the current invention is to provide aPhotovoltaic Solar Panel powered Lighting, Security and Fire AlarmProtection system that greatly minimizes the required Battery storagecapacity of the system to minimize cost, size and weight.

Another objective of the current invention is to provide a PhotovoltaicSolar Panel powered Lighting, Security and Fire Alarm Protection systemthat does not require specialized installation, equipment or highlytrained technicians to further reduce the cost of the installed system.

A further objective of the current invention is to provide aPhotovoltaic Solar Panel powered Lighting, Security and Fire AlarmProtection system that has advanced lighting controls that mayautomatically or manually adjust to ambient lighting conditions oroperate only when occupants are present to reduce lighting powerconsumption. The Lighting Controls may be a wireless or wired systemthat has adjustments for individual and grouped lights so the buildingslighting may be adjusted and managed as needed rather than a typicalON/OFF lighting switch.

Another objective of the current invention is to provide a PhotovoltaicSolar Panel powered Lighting, Security and Fire Alarm Protection systemthat can be designed with a new metal building roof system to maximizethe lighting efficiency and work with roof and wall natural daylightharvesting.

The present inventions objective is to provide a device and method toutilize Solar Powered LED internal/external lighting and otherelectrical components as modules with Metal Building roofs.

One objective of the present invention is to provide a method forattaching the Solar panel to top side of a metal roofing panel and acontrol box with the LED Light or other electrical device on the bottomside. By utilizing the same roof panel as on the building, there is amuch less chance that the panel will develop leaks versus using a roofcurb or other method to mount the external Solar panel component.

Additionally, by using the standard roof panel, the Solar roof modulecan be installed during the roofing construction in the same manner asall of the roof panels and will not require specialized installationafter the building construction which adds to the cost of the system.

Traditionally, to attach an external component to a metal building roof;the attachment screw/bolt thru the roof panel would be made in the panpart of the roofing panel which has contact with the roofing Purlinbelow.

In the present invention, a roof panel High Rib metal support Strut willbe used under the roof panels high ribs to provide an attachment pointfor the Solar Panel thru the high rib which will greatly reduce thechance of a leak occurring on the roofing panel.

Further, the High Rib metal support Strut will provide an attachment andsupport for the control box section of the Solar Module mountedunderneath the roofing panel. The High Rib metal support Strut is sizedand dimensioned for the roofing span, enviromental and component loads.

Another Objective of the present invention is to provide a completeSolar Powered system in the form a module that does not require anyspecialized wiring or technical installation which is a major drawbackto current Solar systems.

In another form of the present invention, A Solar panel is pre-mountedto a reinforced metal building roof panel with a Control box mounted tothe bottom side of the roof panel which houses the Battery (s), Controlsystem and has a LED Light attached and wired into the control box. Thebottom of the Roofing panel is pre-insulated and the complete module isready for installation when the metal roofing panels are installedduring the construction process.

In one preferred form, the Solar roof module is a complete andindependent system that may be Turned OFF/ON and programmed to operateautomatically by a wireless controller so that once the Solar roofmodule is installed on the roof; it may be immediately used for lightingand security during the building's construction process.

As a complete and independent system, the DC power from the Solar panelsdoes not need to be converted to AC power for use with the LED Lightingsystems which saves both cost and complexity of the system.

The size/output and type of Solar Panels, batteries, LED Light and othercomponents may be determined by the requirements and use of theBuilding. The Solar roof module length may be determined by the size ofthe solar panels and can be made longer or shorter as required.Additionally, multiple Solar roof module units may be installed side byside or end to end and connected as needed.

The LED lighting for the Solar roof module system that can be used maybe determined by the lighting requirements of the Building and may bespecified as Low Bay, High Bay, Grid lights, tube or other types asrequired by the lighting needs of the building.

Another embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method for24 hour use of the Lighting or other components of the Solar roof modulesystem. A preferred method would be to utilize a controller to determinethe battery power level and if the battery level becomes too low tooperate the components, then a plugged in power connection would providepower to the components and/or to recharge the battery power whenrequired. This Hybrid Plug-In system would be an optional system for theSolar roof module.

A preferred method for utilizing “Hybrid Plug-In Technology” for theSolar roof module system would be for the controller to determine if thebatteries power is low for the next use cycle and to sense when it isnight with the external light sensor and to charge the battery powerwhen the power cost is at off peak time. With this method, the Solarroof module system may provide up to 24 hours per day of use at alltimes and only use Grid power if it is needed. The power cost may belowered by utilizing OFF-Peak power for charging the battery system.

The Solar roof module system may also be used for other components suchas Wireless Security Camera's, External lighting for the building.

The Solar roof module system may be utilized in the roof Peak caps ofmetal building as well.

Additionally, the Solar roof module system can be used for installationof solar water heater systems with Metal buildings.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1-A A Solar roof module unit

FIG. 1-B Solar roof module top view

FIG. 1-C A Solar roof module exploded view

FIG. 2 End view of Roof PV Panel support components and roof panel

FIG. 3 Structural components view

FIG. 4 Section view of roof panel and mounting bolts

FIG. 5 Section view of mounting bolt, sealing washer and structuralwasher

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   100 metal roof panel    -   102 PV solar panel    -   104 metal support strut    -   106 metal frame housing    -   108 LED low bay light    -   110 Battery or power storage    -   112 roof purlin    -   114 roof skylight panel    -   116 High bay light    -   118 mounting and lift frame    -   120 Solar roof module assembly—Solar roof module unit    -   122 metal roof panel high rib    -   124 metal roof panel section    -   126 metal support strut head    -   128 metal support strut tail    -   130 low side roof panel    -   132 high side roof panel    -   134 purlin support brace    -   136 control box housing side cover    -   140 smoke sensor    -   142 motion sensor    -   144 mounting and sealing bolts    -   146 insulation    -   148 bulkhead wiring bolt    -   150 control box housing    -   152 battery strap    -   154 lock washer    -   156 mounting bolt nut    -   158 structural spacer

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Manufactured Metal Buildings are designed as a system of components thatare assembled on the Building's construction site to create a completeBuilding Structure. Each component of the Metal Building ispre-fabricated by the Metal Building manufacturer to the requireddimensions, Load Bearing strengths, etc as needed for the Buildingspecifications.

The pre-fabricated components allow a Metal Building to be constructed(assembled) on the Building site very quickly and economically. Thepre-fabricated design allows the building to be engineered specificallyfor the Building's use, required Building Loads and location.

The Design and Construction of Metal Buildings is very well suited foruse of the Solar roof module units which are also pre-fabricated andready to install during the Metal Building's assembly.

Metal Building's utilize Metal Roofing panels 100 that are pre-cut tolength and are designed for specific placement on the Building's roof.

Some Metal Building Roofing panels 100, are designed as Skylights whichare made from a Translucent or Transparent material to allow NaturalDaylight to light the Building's interior. The Skylight locations aredetermined by the Building's roofing plan. When using skylightsincorporated with a metal building roof, an ambient light sensor may beused with the Lighting control to reduce or de-activate the poweredlighting when ambient lighting is present.

In the 1^(st) Embodiment Shown in the Figures

The Solar roof module unit 120 is manufactured onto a standard MetalBuilding Roofing panel 100, so that it can be installed onto the MetalBuilding's roof during the Building's construction without the need forspecial roofing details or techniques.

The Metal Building Solar roof module unit installs onto the Roof withthe same roofing details as a Skylight except that the Solar roof moduleunit 120 is may be a single 5′ span rather than a Skylights normal 10′length or double spans. Utilizing a standard Roof Panel as a Solar roofmodule component allows the Roof penetrations for the mounting andlifting frame 118 and the PV wiring to be placed on the top of the HighRib 122 so that it is not directly in the water flow path. The waterflow path is in the Roof Panel Pan area 124. This allows water to flownormally over the Solar roof module Roof Panel component 100 rather thanblocking the water flow as do many standard Roof Curb and other roofmounted components.

Further, the Roof Panel penetrations are also located under the PV SolarPanel 102 which acts as a Roof Cover to the penetrations so that Rainwater does not directly fall onto the mounting and sealing bolts 144 andthe bulkhead wiring bolt 148. The wires going thru the bulkhead wiringbolt can be epoxy, silicone sealed or grommet sealed into the bolt so asto be leak proof. The mounting and sealing bolts 144 may be at differentlengths to hold the external PV panel and at pre-fixed or adjustabletilted angle.

The PV Solar Panel 102 and the metal Building Roof Panel 100 along withall of the Solar roof module unit 120 components are factory assembledin a controlled environment which is greatly advantageous versus fieldinstalling the components onto the Building roof after the building hasbeen fully constructed. This further saves the additional labor, timeand equipment that would be required to field install a system after thebuilding has been erected.

The equipment and labor to erect and assemble the metal building isalready on the job site and by utilizing it to install the Solar roofmodule unit 120 reduces the cost of the system greatly.

Structural Frame

Standard metal building roof systems have Purlins 112 that are normallyspaced on 5′-0″ centers plus roof slope adjustment FIG. 3, which supportthe roof panels 100.

The Solar roof module unit 120 utilizes two Purlin Struts 104 to spanfrom Purlin 112 to Purlin 112 to support the components above and belowthe Roof Panel 100 of the Solar roof module unit 120.

The lightweight Purlin Strut 104 can be made in several forms such as asquare tube, rectangle, trapezoid, angled or an open channel, plus otherstandard or non-standard forms to run under the Roof Panel's 100 HighRib 122. A sealant tape can be used to provide a space between thePurlin Strut 104 and the underside of the Roof Panel 100 High Rib 122.

A Purlin Top Hook 126 may be incorporated into the high side end of themetal support Strut 104 to help hold and secure the Solar roof moduleunit to the High side Purlin during installation onto the Building roof.

A Purlin Base Tail 128 feature is incorporated into the low side end ofthe Purlin Strut 104 to allow space for the overlap of the low side roofpanel and to help guide the Purlin Strut under the low side roof paneland to allow space for the Low Side panel end lap and sealant tape or asilicone gel to be used.

In some cases, a Purlin Support Brace may be used to brace the bottom ofthe High Side and Low Side Purlins 112 to the Solar roof module PurlinStruts 104 which may be in the form of a small brace angle. The PurlinSupport brace may be attached to the Purlin by means of a screw or BoltFastener.

The Solar roof module unit panel may be longer than a single Purlin toPurlin span which is typically 5′ plus roof slope adjustment. The Solarroof module unit Metal Roof Panel 100 may be 2 or more standard PurlinSpans to accommodate larger PV Solar Panel 102 or Lighting systems.

Types of Metal Roof Panels

Metal Building Roofs are designed with some degree of roof slope to flowwater off of the roof. Metal Building Roof Panels have differentProfiles, metal thickness and designs that are based on the spans(Purlin to Purlin), loads, Roof Slope and desired fastening features.

Metal Building Roofs with a higher degree of slope such as the standard1:12, 2:12 and above typically utilize metal roof panels that areattached to the Purlins with penetrating fasteners such as Screws orRivets that pierce thru the metal roof panel. One Standard Metal Roofpanel with penetrating fasteners is called the “R” panel or “PBR panel.The R and PBR metal roof panels are generally attached to each other onthe side with a Side Lap Screw (stitch) or a Rivet type of fastener.

Metal Building roofs with lower degrees of roof slope such as ¼:12 and½:12 generally utilize a “Standing Seam” type of metal roof panel thathas concealed fasteners that do not pierce the roof panel. The StandingSeam roof panel type generally has a side to side locking system that iseither a “Clip Lock” or “Mechanically Seamed” locking and sealing forthe Side laps. The Standing Seam roof panel can be effective with lowerroof slopes because there are no roof penetrations thru the roofingpanels. The current invention can be utilized with any type of metalroofing panel configured with at least a high rib on each side.

In the 1^(st) embodiment, the metal support struts 104 support and areattached to a metal frame housing 106, which incorporates and houses thebatteries 110, the control box side covers 136, the LED warehouse light108, the motion sensor 142, the smoke sensor 140 and the control boxhousing 150 which houses the control and operational housing and wiringfor the Solar Roof Modules operation and function.

Operation of the Solar Roof Module

Power Saving Lighting and Lighting Controls

In one preferred embodiment, a DC LED Lighting unit 108 or 116 isincorporated with the Solar roof module unit and is used to provide thebuilding's interior lighting. LED Lighting is up to 50-80% more powerefficient than standard lighting and has a very long service life of upto 10 years or more without the need for lamp replacement ormaintenance. Other types of energy efficient Lighting may be utilized bythe Solar roof module system such as HID, Fluorescent, HPS, etc.

Occupancy Sensor Control

The Solar roof module unit Lighting Control system can reduce powerusage by utilizing Occupancy sensors that turn on the Lighting when aperson(s) is detected in a detection zone and can keep the lighting ONfor a pre-set or programmed period of time after the person(s) has leftthe detection zone. An option for Sound Light activation may also beincorporated which can be used for security lighting as well.

Automatic Dimming

Buildings that utilize Roof and Wall Skylights to allow natural Daylightinto the building during the day can greatly reduce the lighting neededfrom the Lighting system. The Solar roof module LED Lighting ControlSystem utilizes Automatic Dimming when daylight or ambient light ispresent to reduce the Lighting output which can save power usage.

Solar Roof Module Power Management

A principle function of the Solar roof module unit is to reduce the costof power usage for the Building's roof mounted lighting for warehouse,manufacturing and retail applications. In one embodiment; a PhotovoltaicSolar Panel 102 provides power in the form of Direct Current (DC) whichis stored in the Solar roof module mounted DC Battery system 110. In thesame embodiment one method is to utilize one or two 12VDC batteries 110inside the Solar roof module Control box 106 for DC power storage.Utilizing DC power for the LED Lighting can save the 10-15% powerinverter conversion efficiency losses when converting to AC power.

The Solar roof module unit is not a traditional Off-Grid PV Solar Powersystem that relies only on Batteries for power storage and it is not astandard Grid-Connected PV Solar Power system that feeds back power intothe mains Grid. Warehouses and Factories have mains power available torun equipment and Utilities.

The Solar roof module unit 120 is designed so the PV Solar Panel 102provides power to the Solar roof module Battery system 110 for powerstorage to provide power for the Lighting 108, 116 and the Control Box106 mounted electronic sensors for Security, Fire and Wireless controlfunctions.

To minimize the Solar roof module Battery system 110 size, weight andcost, the Solar roof module Power Management system may utilize one orall of the novel functions listed below:

Solar Roof Module Power Sharing

In one embodiment, each Solar roof module unit has a wired cableconnector that connects it to the next Solar roof module unit so thatpower from other connected Solar roof module units may be shared ifneeded. Some individual Solar roof module units may receive more powerfrom the PV Solar Panel 102 at different locations on the building roofand may have more power available. The Lighting on individual Solar roofmodule units may be used more or less in some locations in the Buildingwhich may require more or less power usage. By allowing some Solar roofmodule units with excess power to share with some Solar roof moduleunits that need more power will reduce the required storage capacity ofthe Solar roof module Batteries as a system.

Mains Hybrid System

One of the principle functions of the Solar roof module unit is togreatly reduce the power cost and usage of the Building Lighting and togreatly reduce the maintenance and replacement parts costs of thelighting system. Buildings that utilize the Solar roof module unitswould be generally used for Factory, warehouse and Retail space and areconnected to mains power to run equipment and other utilities.

To greatly reduce the required Battery Storage Capacity of the Solarroof module unit battery(s), the Solar roof module Power Managementsystem utilizes the Grid Share Cable connector which connects each Solarroof module unit to the next Solar roof module unit. The Grid ShareCable can also have a wire that is connected to the Buildings mainspower for the Hybrid system or there can be a separate wire set for theHybrid system.

The Solar roof module Mains-Hybrid system can reduce the requiredBattery Storage capacity needed for the Solar roof module unit operationfrom a 5 Day (minimum OFF Grid system) to a maximum of 24 hours (orlonger if needed), in most cases, the number of daily Battery capacityhours for Solar roof module operation may average around 10-12 hoursdepending on the Building's use.

With Occupancy and Daylight sensors to reduce the Lighting power usage;a 12-24 hour Solar roof module Battery storage capacity may operate theSolar roof module unit for longer periods.

The Mains-Hybrid (SMH) system allows the Solar roof module units to drawpower from the Building mains anytime power is not available from theSolar roof module Battery system 110 or the Solar roof module Grid-Sharesystem (SGS) which allows 24 hour daily operation of the system in allcases.

In one embodiment, the power for the Solar roof module Lighting andSensors may be provided by up to three separate sources:

-   -   1. Power from the Photovoltaic Solar Panel 102 to the Solar roof        module Battery system 110    -   2. If power in the Solar roof module unit Battery system 110 is        low, then power from the Grid Share system    -   3. If power from the Grid-Share system is not available, then        power can be provided by the Mains-Hybrid system.

Mains Hybrid Night Charging

At the end of each day, if the Solar roof module Battery system 110 isnot fully charged, the Mains-Hyrid system may use mains power during theOFF-Peak period of the night when the mains power cost is lower. Withthis method the Solar roof module battery system 110 and Grid-Sharesystem may start each day fully charged which also protects battery lifeand is charged with the lower cost electricity.

Battery Life Management

The service life of a Battery can be greatly effected by the Depth ofDischarge (DOD) during use. To maximize the battery Life, it isgenerally recommended that the DOD is 10-30%, with 15-20% as an optimallevel. The Solar roof module Power management system utilizes the 3power sources available to the Solar roof module unit.

Fire Alarm Protection

In one embodiment, each Solar roof module 120 may be equipped with aFire and smoke sensors.

A High Temperature sensor or additional sensors for specific chemicalsor gas detectors may also be incorporated into the Solar roof moduleControl Box 106. A Flashing Alarm light and Siren may be used toindicate the Fire or Smoke Alarm. The Solar roof module Light may beactivated in Alarm mode to provide light in the area of the Alarm.

Another major advantage of the Solar roof module unit is that the FireAlarm sensors provide a quick response and highly zoned Alarm protectionsystem. Typical Fire Alarm units are not always uniformly spaced in thebuilding's interior space. One of the primary functions of the Solarroof module units 120 is to provide the lighting for the interior spaceof the building, in this capacity the Solar roof module units are evenlyand comprehensively spaced in the building's interior. The even spacingmay provide a faster alarm response with the Fire/Smoke which could savelives and property.

Further, the Fire Alarm sensors are powered by the Solar roof moduleunit batteries which can function without Mains power which is importantin emergency situations when mains power may be lost.

In certain types of manufacturing, the Smoke or Temp Sensors may not beused because of the manufacturing process. In these cases, the FireAlarm protection components could be turned OFF in the specific areas.

Emergency Lighting

In the event of emergency or lost power to the building, the Solar roofmodule unit lighting can provide emergency lighting which is a veryimportant function of the system. The Lighting can be activated manuallyor automatically with individual units, in zones or with all units. EachSolar roof module unit is self powered and can operate individually toprovide Lighting, Security and Fire alarm functions independently.

CONCLUSION

The solar roof module is a multi-functional system that can incorporateand utilize any type of PV solar panel for electrical power generationand can be tilted to any angle required for optimal function.

The power generated can be stored to any type of power storage andbattery technology such as lead acid, AGM, Lithium-Ion, Nickel-zinc orany other type of battery.

The solar roof module can operate any type of lighting, sensors,wireless camera for security both in the building interior and forexternal mounted units.

The solar roof module can provide fire and security along with back-upand emergency lighting, fire safety and security functions along withthe primary function of reducing power usage and cost savings for thebuilding lighting.

What is claimed is:
 1. A metal roof panel module comprising: a length ofmetal roof panel a length of formed metal support structure positionedunder one or more of the preformed metal roof panel high ribs of saidmetal roof panel said metal roof panel and said formed metal supportstructure being joined together by a mounting and sealing means forsupport and directly attaching one or more solar energy collectioncomponents above said metal roof panel
 2. The metal roof panel module ofclaim 1, wherein said solar energy collection components comprise singleor multiple photovoltaic solar panels for generating electrical power.3. The metal roof panel module of claim 2, wherein said solar energycollection components comprise single or multiple thermal energycollection devices.
 4. The metal roof panel module of claim 3, whereinsaid mounting and sealing means is attached to a secondary metal framefor mounting the said solar energy collection components and to providestructural lifting points.
 5. The metal roof panel module of claim 4,wherein said mounting and sealing means for directly attaching to metalroof panel and formed support structure comprises a mounting bolt with acompression seal.
 6. The metal roof panel module of claim 5, whereinsaid formed metal support structure is comprised with one or more meansfor metal roof panel end laps and side laps.
 7. The metal roof panelmodule of claim 6, wherein said mounting and sealing means comprises ofan adjustable height device for tilting a solar energy collectioncomponent.
 8. The metal roof panel module of claim 7, wherein a metalframe housing is attached below said formed metal support structure soas to be able to house and support hardware and control components. 9.The metal roof panel module of claim 8, wherein the length of the moduleis more than one span of the metal building secondary structure roofpurlins.
 10. The metal roof panel module of claim 9, wherein the saidformed metal support structure is a tube, trapezoid, rectangular, cee orother structural shape.
 11. A solar roof module for metal buildingscomprising: a metal roof panel structurally re-enforced with a formedmetal support structure and sealed means positioned under one or moreroof panel high ribs for spanning and supporting solar energy collectionmeans for generating electrical power above the metal roof panel andsupporting control hardware and components below the metal roof panel,and a method and means for sealing, mounting and tilting the said solarenergy collection component attached to the high rib portion of saidmetal roof panel and providing a method and means for a sealed conduitfor electrical wiring thru the metal roof panel high rib section to theunderside of the metal roof panel, and a metal frame and housingattached to the formed metal support structure under the metal roofpanel to house power storage means, control components, sensors,Lighting and other functional components.
 12. The solar roof module ofclaim 11, wherein a metal lifting frame supports the solar powercollection means.
 13. The solar roof module of claim 12, wherein thepower generated from the solar energy collection means is stored in thepower storage means to provide power for Lighting, sensors, controlcomponents and hardware.
 14. The solar roof module of claim 13, whereinthe Lighting is an LED building interior light with sensors to controlthe operation of the light according to ambient light conditions,occupancy in the lighting area and control by wireless remote.
 15. Thesolar roof module of claim 14, wherein the power storage and controlmeans has a connection to the mains power grid to allow for operation ofthe Lighting, sensors, hardware and controls when electrical power fromthe power storage means or solar collection means is not available. 16.The solar roof module of claim 15, wherein the power storage and controlmeans is further connected to adjacent solar roof modules to allowelectrical power to be shared when available.
 17. The solar roof moduleof claim 16, wherein the power storage and control means will utilizemains power when needed to charge the power storage means duringoff-peak power times to minimize power cost from the mains.
 18. Thesolar roof module of claim 15, wherein the sensors incorporate smoke andfire detection means along with sound alarm to alert for fire detectionin the area.
 19. The solar roof module of claim 18, wherein when thefire sensors means detects and activates the fire sound alarm, thelighting can be flashed to indicate the area of the fire and the lightflashing can be sequenced differently to indicate when occupancy oractual fire versus smoke is within the sensors zone. This function canprovide fire location and personnel location information for emergencyservices and evacuation.
 20. The solar roof module of claim 19, whereinthe hardware and controls include security operations with the Lightingand occupancy sensors functions and optional wireless video andsurveillance hardware and functions.